The tradition of Shiv Sena's Dussehra rally began in 1966 with party founder Bal Thackeray. However, after a split in 2022 when Eknath Shinde rebelled against Uddhav’s leadership. The two factions have since been holding separate events
Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde will hold separate Dussehra rallies in Mumbai on Oct 2. File Pic
Rival Shiv Sena factions led by Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will hold separate Dussehra rallies in Mumbai on Thursday.
Both leaders are expected to criticise each other during their speeches.
The tradition of Shiv Sena's Dussehra rally began in 1966 with party founder Bal Thackeray. However, after a split in 2022 when Eknath Shinde rebelled against Uddhav’s leadership. The two factions have since been holding separate events.
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray will address his party's supporters at Shivaji Park in Dadar, while Eknath Shinde will speak at the NESCO Exhibition Centre in Goregaon, after changing the venue from Azad Maidan due to waterlogging from recent downpour in Mumbai, reported the PTI.
Mumbai Police has made elaborate traffic and security arrangements in the city for the Dussehra rallies in city.
The traffic police had earlier this week issued diversions and restrictions for motorists around Shivaji Park.
The police, in an official notification, said that large crowds from across Maharashtra were expected to reach Shivaji Park for the rally on Thursday.
The rallies come in the wake of the 2024 Assembly election setback for Uddhav Thackeray's faction and ahead of key local body polls in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra.
Uddhav Thackeray is likely to target the BJP-led central and state governments, especially over issues like flood relief for farmers in Marathwada.
He may also hint at a possible alliance with his cousin Raj Thackeray, the chief of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).
At Shivaji Park, intermittent rainfall left large puddles on the ground, potentially posing a challenge for rally arrangements.
Meanwhile, Shinde urged his party workers from outside Mumbai not to travel for the rally, but instead assist flood-affected farmers in their regions.
Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, dismissed Eknath Shinde’s rally, saying, "It will only produce smoke." He added that Shinde is trying to portray himself as Bal Thackeray, but "he does not understand the late leader," according to the PTI.
Sanjay Raut concluded by saying, “There are only two true Dussehra rallies in Maharashtra -- the RSS rally in Nagpur, and Uddhav Thackeray’s in Mumbai.”
(with PTI inputs)
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